ining, by the only mode of
communication which seems open to me, your general opinion and
sentiments as to the outline of the course we ought to shape in the
stormy debates we shall probably have so speedily to encounter. Our
situation as a party appears to be more critical than it has ever
been. The Ministers have conducted themselves with great imbecility
and indecision, and the Opposition have distinguished themselves by
their violence and intemperance; and under these circumstances we
are looked upon as a rallying point between the two extremes, and
our opinion is very anxiously looked for by many persons who wish,
if they can, to make it the guide of their conduct. It seems to me,
therefore, very desirable to consider, as much as we can
before-hand, any of the questions on which we may be called upon to
give an opinion. The two first points expected to be brought
forward are the Liturgy and the Palace. With respect to the
Liturgy, I am strongly inclined to think, upon an examination of
the subject (for at first I had considerable doubt upon it), that
the King has the right to do as he has done; and though I do not
think his exercise of the right discreet or advisable under the
circumstances, still if he had the right, I should not be disposed
to hold that the Queen's name ought _now_ to be placed in the
Liturgy. The general opinion of lawyers is, I think, unfavourable
to the King's claim; but then, perhaps, that opinion is frequently
given without any examination of the subject.

On the Palace, I feel no difficulties. If we are to allow her--as I
understand it is to be proposed that we shall--L50,000 per annum,
she may well afford to pay rent for her habitation.

Questions may be expected to be raised also as to the policy of
Government in bringing forward any measure against the Queen, and
as to their mode of conducting it when brought forward. On both of
these points it appears to me that much blame is imputable to the
Ministers; but these are questions which cannot be brought forward
substantively for some days at least, and therefore I trust I shall
have an opportunity of discussing them with you before any occasion
can arise on which we may be called upon to give any opinion
respecting them.

The Address, I suppose, will be such as not necessarily to
compromise